Help with Lumbar Fusion

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Has anybody had a 5 level Lurabar fusion? I am considering having this procedure done and am also considering having a 3 level fusion with two level artificial discs. the big question I have is "how is mobility affected?". I'm curious about what limitations or restrictions there are with that many levels being fused. I have beeen able to talk to people with the hybrid surgery but I haven't heard from anyone who has had all those levels fused. Any help would be appreciated. thanks
 
Your mobility will be considerably changed. You'll still be able to carefully twist at the thoracic levels, so driving shouldn't be too much of an adjustment once you're recovered enough. You will most likely have pain with sitting, since you need to have some movement in the lurabar area, especially L5-S1, to sit, even if you've got really good posture.

I have 14 levels fused, T4-S1. I am quite limited. I have a swivel disk to sit on to drive so I can turn enough to change lanes safely in traffic. I can sit for 20 minutes to an hour before it hurts too much and I need to get up. I lay down during the day at least once to get the stress off my back.

You'll have a harder time than those with 1 or 2 levels fused, but you'll probably be a lot better off than me. You'll be somewhere in between.

You'll have to decide whether the trade off is worth it. For me, it absolutely was. I have a lot less pain than I had before. Keep reading and asking questions. That's the best thing you can do for yourself as you try to make a wise decision.

I wish you the best,
Emily
 
Thanks for the info. The choice I have to make is the 5 level fusion here in the United States of go to Germany for a hybrid surgery. What the Germans are proposing is a three level fusion with artificial discs from L4 down. They say most of the movement comes from that area and my mobility will be affected but not nearly as much as if the whole lurabar was fused. Tough choices. I'm sure my insuranse company won't kick in and the cost is in excess of $70,000. There really isn't any follow-up and no recourse if things don't work.
 
My husband who is 56, has had this done and there is a noticeable difference in is ability to bend over, twist, etc. He does get by though. I do not think his life will ever be as active again, but he is not bed ridden either. Pain is still present, but not as bad. He has severe muscle spasms in his back now. He must take much needed brakes throughout the day just to deal with every day life. He also had to have a second surgery to remove his hardware and try to refuse the lowest disc because it did not fuse the first time. He had his first surgery and done 6/07 and last one 5/08....I suppose time will tell. Have you made your decision yet?
 
Thanks for the information. I have not made my decision yet but I need to do it soon. I can't believe that more people who subscribe to this board haven't had a multi-level fusion. I really need help to know how limited my life will be if I have this procedure done. Can your husband do things like touch the floor, do a sit up,cut a log with a chain saw in a bent over position, sit up in bed, etc? These are the type of things I really need to know if I will be able to do if I decide on the five level fusion. The German doctors I was two weeks ago are proposing artificial discs on L4-L5, and L5-S1 and fuse the others. They are telling me that most of a persons bending comes from the lower levels and I will be able to retain most of my mobility. Other people are telling me most of a persons bending comes from their hips and there isn't much difference between fusion and artificial disc. I have talked to several people who have had the procedure the Germans are suggesting and they all report not too much difference in their life styles. If only I could get the same information from the fusion patients!!! [deleted].
 
Greetings, I will not be able to type much ,I may have to stop but I'll be back. however I did want to reply. I wish I could go back and ask more questions . fussion for me was the BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I went from walking 3miles aday to basiclly bed fast . I did not fuss. The dr didnot tell me this may happen.I now know that it not only can happen but happens more often than they want you to know and the chances are much much MUCH GREATER WITH MULTIABLE LEVEL FUSSIONS.
 
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